Training apparatus

ABSTRACT

A training apparatus for simulating game-like random returns and/or rebounds that includes a ramp having an inlet portion, an outlet portion spaced from the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The inlet portion includes a beveled lip and is configured to rest on a flat surface such that a projectile moving along the flat surface toward the inlet portion can be received onto the ramp. The outlet portion is configured to redirect the projectile received onto the ramp to a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the flat surface.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a training apparatus for returning a projectile. For example, such a training apparatus may be used as a training tool to simulate various returns of a projectile. Specifically, the training apparatus may be used to randomly rebound a hockey puck onto an ice surface.

It may be desirable to simulate a broken play and create unpredictable returns of a hockey puck onto an ice surface. It may further be desirable to enhance the skill of knocking down pucks, and to improve the reaction time to retrievals. While conventional return and rebound devices may return a hockey puck in a uniform predictable manner, a need exists for a training apparatus that randomly returns and/or rebounds a hockey puck or other projectile to create a game-like training situation.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a training apparatus that enhances training by creating simulated game-like random conditions of puck returns.

SUMMARY

A training apparatus for returning and/or rebounding a projectile is disclosed, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Specifically, disclosed is an example training apparatus that may include a ramp having an inlet portion, an outlet portion spaced from the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The inlet portion may include a beveled lip and may be configured to rest on a flat surface such that a projectile moving along the flat surface toward the inlet portion can be received onto the ramp. The outlet portion may be configured to redirect the projectile received onto the ramp to a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the flat surface.

In one example, the outlet portion of training apparatus may be inclined downwardly towards the flat surface. In another example, the inlet portion, the intermediate portion, and the outlet portion of the ramp may comprise a continuous arc. In such an example, the continuous arc may have a first radius proximate the outlet portion and a second radius proximate the inlet portion, in which the first radius is smaller than the second radius. The example training apparatus may be configured to cause the projectile to travel a distance of between 5-15 feet from the training apparatus before hitting the flat surface.

In one example, the training apparatus may be configured to receive, in a generally sliding relation onto the ramp, a hockey puck sliding toward the inlet portion along an ice surface supporting the training apparatus. In such an example, the training apparatus may be configured to execute an end over end return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface. Alternatively, the training apparatus may be configured to execute a flat return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface. Alternatively, the training apparatus may be configured to execute a curved return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface. Alternatively, the training apparatus may be configured to execute a knuckled return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface.

The training apparatus may further include at least one support frame and at least one wheel positioned on the at least one support frame. The at least one wheel may be suitable for moving of the training apparatus. In one example, the at least one wheel may be made of polyurethane. The training apparatus may also include a handle suitable for pivoting the training apparatus about the at least one wheel.

In one example, the ramp of the training apparatus may include a generally horizontally spaced first side and second side. In such an example, the training apparatus may further include a first side plate positioned adjacent the first side of the ramp and a second side plate positioned adjacent the second side of the ramp. The first side plate and the second side plate may be suitable for retaining the projectile from exiting the ramp on at least a portion of the first side and the second side.

In one example, the training apparatus and the projectile may be colored in non-contrasting colors to disguise the projectile until the projectile has exited the outlet portion of the training apparatus onto the flat surface. In a further example, the training apparatus and the projectile may be colored a shade of black.

In one example, the training apparatus may also include an inlet portion having a first rounded corner and a second rounded corner. In another example, the training apparatus may have a weight suitable for preventing the training apparatus from changing in position when the projectile is received and redirected. In one example, the training apparatus may be made of metal. In another example, the training apparatus may further include at least one foot portion, wherein the at least one foot portion is suitable for sliding the training apparatus across an ice surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the training apparatus, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the training apparatus showing a trajectory of a projectile of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the training apparatus showing a trajectory of a projectile of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the training apparatus showing a trajectory of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the training apparatus executing a flat return of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the training apparatus executing a curved return of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the training apparatus executing an end-over-end return of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the training apparatus executing a knuckled return of a projectile, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Parts Listing

Number Description  1 Training apparatus  2 Projectile  2′ Hockey puck  3 Flat surface  3′ Ice surface 10 Ramp 11 Inlet portion 12 Outlet portion 13 Intermediate portion 21 Beveled lip 22 Rounded corner 31 Side plate 41 Support frame 41a Straight portion of support frame 41 41b Curved portion of support frame 41 42 Horizontal support member 43 Foot portion 44 Wheel 44a Wheel fork 45 Handle A First arc radius of ramp 10 B Second arc radius ramp 10

FIGS. 1-8 show various views of an example training apparatus 1 for receiving a projectile 2. The training apparatus 1 may be positioned on a flat surface 3, such that a projectile 2 traveling along the flat surface 3 may be received by the training apparatus 1 and randomly returned back onto the flat surface 3. The term “return” or “returned” in addition to its plain meaning may also mean rebounded, deflected, or ricocheted. In one example, the projectile 2 may be a hockey puck 2′ and the flat surface 3 may be an ice surface 3′. In such an example, the present disclosure contemplates simulating a broken play and creating unpredictable returns of the hockey puck 2′ onto the ice surface 3′ thereby providing an enhanced training tool to simulate game-like and random conditions of hockey puck 2′ returns. The present disclosure also contemplates any other projectiles 2 including, but not limited to, balls, disks, or pucks. The present disclosure also contemplates any other flat surfaces 3 including a natural field surface, turfed surface, hardwood surface, dirt or clay surface, or any other suitable flooring surface.

In the example in which the projectile 2 is a hockey puck 2′ and the flat surface 3 is an ice surface 3′, exemplary uses of the training apparatus include, but are not limited to, simulations of: rebound possession with a goalie or no goalie; low and high slot retrievals; bad angle retrievals and reaction plays; corner and back board situations; goalie rebound control from back board play; defenseman reaction plays from back board play; forwards reacting to in tight plays originating from the back board; and neutral zone station work when the end zones are being operated.

The training apparatus 1 may include a ramp 10. The ramp 10 may include an inlet portion 11, an outlet portion 12, and an intermediate portion 13. In one example, and as is shown in FIGS. 1-8, the inlet portion 11, outlet portion 12, and intermediate portion 13 of the ramp 10 forms a continuous arc. In such an example, if a projectile 2 is received onto the ramp 10 at the inlet portion 11, it travels along the continuous arc from the inlet portion 11, along the intermediate portion 13, to the outlet portion 12. Once the projectile 2 reaches the outlet portion 12, the projectile 2 exits the training apparatus 1 and is returned to a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the flat surface 3 as a result of the outlet portion 12 being inclined downwardly towards the flat surface 3. As will be discussed in more detail below, the return trajectory may be altered by modifying the curvature of the continuous arc of the ramp 10.

In one example, the training apparatus 1 may be predominantly or entirely made of metal. The use of metal may be advantageous in making the training apparatus 1 more durable, yielding a longer service life. In such an example, the ramp 10 may comprise a single sheet or metal. For example, a single sheet of stainless steel may be bent to form the continuous arc of the ramp 10. In other examples, multiple sheets of metal may be used to form the continuous arc of the ramp 10. The training apparatus 1 may also include one or more support frames 41 providing rigidity and structure to the ramp 10. The support frame(s) 41 may be generally hook shaped and include a straight portion 41 a and a curved portion 41 b. The curved portion 41 b of the support frame(s) 41 may wrap around at least part of the curvature of the ramp 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 8 for example, the curved portion 41 b of the support frame(s) 41 may be fastened to an upper region the ramp 10. The straight portion 41 a of the support frame(s) 41 may project generally downwardly from the ramp 10, towards the flat surface 3.

In one example, the training apparatus 1 may include a first support frame 41 positioned proximate a first side of the training apparatus 1 and a second support frame 41 positioned proximate a second side of the training apparatus 1. In such an embodiment a horizontal support member 42 may span between the first and second support frames 41 proximate the outlet portion 12 of the training apparatus 1. The horizontal support member 42 may increase the total strength and rigidity of the training apparatus 1. The horizontal support member 42 may also prevent reciprocal movement of the ramp 10 when the projectile exits the training apparatus 1 at the outlet portion 12.

The one or more support frames 41 and the horizontal support members 42 may be fastened to the ramp 10 by any means including welding, the use of adhesive, and/or the use of fasteners such as screws or bolts. Alternatively, the entire training apparatus 1 may be one unitary structure. The support frame(s) 41 and horizontal support member 42 may be constructed of metal or any other suitable material. In one example, the support frame(s) 41 and horizontal support member 42 may be respectively constructed from heavy gauge stainless steel.

The training apparatus 1 may also include one or more foot portion(s) 43 positioned proximate the inlet portion 11. The foot portion(s) 43 may provide a stable base allowing the training apparatus 1 to stand upright without falling over. In one example, a first side of the foot portion(s) 43 may be fastened to a lower end of the straight portion 41 a of the support portion 41 forming a 90 degree angle squared edge. A second side of the foot portion(s) 42 may be fastened 10 to the ramp proximate the inlet portion 11. The foot portion(s) 43 may be fastened by any means including welding, the use of adhesive, and/or the use of fasteners such as screws or bolts. In one example, the training apparatus 1 may include a first foot portion 43 positioned proximate a first side of the training apparatus 1 and a second foot portion 43 positioned proximate a second side of the training apparatus 1. The foot portion 43 may be constructed of metal or any other suitable material. In one example, the foot portion 43 is constructed from heavy gauge stainless steel.

The training apparatus 1 may also include one or more wheels 44 and a handle 45. The wheel(s) 44 may be fastened via a fork 44 a to a rear facing side of the lower end of straight portion 41 a of the support portion 41. The wheel(s) 44 may be suitable for moving the training apparatus 1. For example, a person may be able to grab the handle 45 and pivot the training apparatus 1 about the wheel(s) 44, such that the wheel(s) 44 are the only direct point of contact with the ground (i.e., flat surface 3). In such an example, the training apparatus 1 may then be rolled from location to location.

In one example, the training apparatus 1 may include two wheels 44, each respectively fastened to a rear facing side of the lower end of the straight portion 41 a of a first and a second support portion 41. The wheel(s) 44 may either have fixed fork(s) 44 a or castor style rotating fork(s) 44 a. The wheel(s) 44 may be fastened by any means including welding, the use of adhesive, and/or the use of fasteners such as screws or bolts. The wheel(s) 44 may be made of any suitable material including polyurethane, nylon, etc. In one example, the wheel(s) 44 are made of polyurethane and have a width of 1 and ¼ inch and a diameter of 4 and ⅛ inch.

In one example, the training apparatus 1 may stand on the foot portion(s) 43, such that the foot portion(s) 43 are in contact with the flat surface 3, the wheel(s) 44 are not contact and/or engagement with the flat surface 3. In such an embodiment, the weight of training apparatus 1 (being constructed of metal or any other suitable material) prevents the training apparatus 1 from shifting in position when one or more projectiles 2 are received and/or returned. In such an example, if the training apparatus 1 is standing on an example ice surface 3′ (or any other surface with a sufficiently low coefficient of friction), the training apparatus 1 may be repositioned by sliding across the ice surface 3′ via the foot portion(s) 42, when a sufficient amount of force is applied to overcome the static friction between the foot portion(s) 43 and the ice surface 3′. In such an embodiment, the training apparatus 1 can be repositioned without having to engage the wheel(s) 44.

In one example, the inlet portion 11 may include a beveled lip 21. The beveled lip 21 may ensure that the projectile 2 can be received in a sliding relation onto the ramp 10 from the flat surface 3. For instance, in the example in which the projectile 2 is a hockey puck 2′ sliding along an ice surface 3′, if the inlet portion 11 did not have a beveled lip 21, the hockey puck 2′ may hit and bounce off the edge of the inlet portion 11. Thus, the beveled lip 21, by reducing the vertical distance between the inlet portion 11 to the flat surface 3, ensures that the hockey puck 2′ or any other projectile 2 can be received without interference. The inlet portion 11 may also include rounded corners 22 at either side. The rounded corners 22 may reduce risk of injury by eliminating the otherwise sharp corners of the beveled lip 21. Such risk is especially present when the training apparatus 1 is being moved or repositioned and the inlet portion 11 is not resting against the flat surface 3.

The training apparatus 1 may require the projectile 2 to be received at the inlet portion 11 along the flat surface 3. Thus, when a projectile 2 is received at the inlet portion 11 and exits at the outlet portion 12, the projectile must travel along the entire arc of the ramp 10. In such an example, if the projectile 2 were to enter the training apparatus 1 at the intermediate portion 13, for example, the projectile 2 may bounce off the ramp 10 instead of being received onto the ramp 10. This may be the case for any projectile 2 sliding, rolling, or gliding along the flat surface 3. Put differently, the projectile 2 must be received onto the arc of the ramp 10, and cannot bounce off or be re-directed sideways in order for the projectile 2 to be returned from the training apparatus 1.

The training apparatus 1 may be able to receive the projectile 2, if the projectile 2 approaches inlet portion 11 at an angle. For example, the training apparatus 1 may include one or more side plates 31 to help redirect the projectile 2 inward and prevent the projectile 2 from exiting the training apparatus 1 at either side of the training apparatus 1. The side plate(s) 31 may either cover a portion of the side of the training apparatus 1 or the entire side of the training apparatus 1. In one example, the training apparatus 1 includes first side plate 31 positioned adjacent a first side portion of the ramp 10 and a second side plate 31 positioned adjacent a second side of the ramp 10. In such an example, the first and second side plates 31 only partially cover the first and second sides of the ramp 10. Specifically, the side plates 31 are positioned on the upper region of the ramp 10, proximate the outlet portion 12. The side plates do not extend to the lower region of the ramp 10. As a result, the projectile 2 could exit the ramp 10 at either the first or the second side proximate the intermediate portion 13 or the inlet portion 11, but would be prevented from exiting at either the first or second side proximate the outlet portion 12.

In the example in which the slide plate 31 my only cover the upper region of the ramp 10, the allowable angle in which the projectile 2 may be received by the training apparatus 1 may be smaller than if the side plates 31 extended along the entire length of the ramp 10. Such a reduction in input angle may decrease the predictability of returned projectiles 2 and yield in an overall increased randomness of the return. Additionally, if the side plates 31 cover only a portion of the ramp 10, the overall weight and manufacturing cost of the training apparatus 1 may be reduced.

The training apparatus 1 may be colored a specific color to help decrease the predictability of the returns of the projectile 2. For example, both the training apparatus 1 and the projectile 2 may be colored the same or two non-contrasting colors. In such an example, as soon as the projectile 2 is received in the training apparatus 1, it blends in with the training apparatus 1 and is effectively hidden from view and/or camouflaged until the projectile 2 exits the training apparatus 1 onto the flat surface 3. In one example, both the training apparatus 1 and the projectile 2 are colored as shade black. The present disclosure contemplates any non-contrasting color combination. The training apparatus 1 may be colored either by painting, anodizing, or any other known methods. Alternatively the training apparatus 1 and the projectile 2 may both have the same and/or non-contrasting material colors, and thus, would not require additional painting.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9a to 9c , the projectile's 2 return trajectory can be altered by modifying the arc radius of the ramp 10. For example FIG. 9a shows that increasing the arc radius of the ramp 10, and thereby raising the outlet portion 12, may increase the return length. Likewise, as is shown in FIG. 9c decreasing the arc radius of the ramp 10, and thereby lowering the outlet portion 12, may decrease the return length. In one example, the return length may be between 5 and 15 feet. In such an example, the projectile would travel a distance of between 5 and 15 feet after exiting the outlet portion 12 of the training apparatus 1 before hitting the flat surface 3. The return distance may be altered depending on the speed and angle of the projectile 6 when it received into the training apparatus 1.

Further, as can be seen in FIGS. 9a to 9c the arc of ramp 10 may also have a first radius A proximate the outlet portion 12 and a second radius B proximate the inlet portion 11. In one example the first radius A may be smaller than the second radius B. In such an example, the smaller first radius A may contribute to accelerating the projectile 2 along the ramp 10 before the projectile 2 exits the training apparatus 1 at the outlet portion 12. In one example, the second radius B may be constant and the first radius A may be configurable. For example, the training apparatus may include a hinge (not shown) to alter the first radius A by rotating the upper portion of the ramp 10, including the outlet portion), about the hinge.

The present disclosure contemplates that to create a game-like training simulation, the returns from the training apparatus 1 must be random and cannot be predictable. Such randomness and unpredictability may result in part from the arc shape of ramp 10. Because the projectile must travel the entire arc shape of the ramp 10 before being returned, any variation in the speed and angle of the projectile 2 prior to being received onto the ramp 10 will necessarily alter the trajectory of the projectile 2 along the ramp 10 towards the outlet portion 12. Further, if the projectile is accelerated and directed towards the training apparatus by a human without the help of some machine, it may be impossible replicate the exact angle and velocity of the projectile 2 being received into the training apparatus 1 without some slight variance between attempts. Thus, any such slight variance between attempts will alter the internal course of the projectile 2 along the ramp 10 and thereby alter the trajectory of the projectile 2 after it exits the outlet portion 12, resulting in a random and unpredictable return.

In the example in which the projectile 2 is a hockey puck 2′, the training apparatus 1 may execute at least the following four types of returns: a flat return; a curved return; and end-over-end return; and a knuckled return. As can be seen in FIG. 10A, in a flat return, the hockey puck 2′ exits the outlet portion 12 of the training apparatus 1 at a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the ice surface 3′ and is returned perfectly flat along the ice surface 3′. As can be seen in FIG. 10B, in a curved return, the hockey puck 2′ exits the outlet portion 12 of the training apparatus 1 at a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the ice surface 3′ and is returning veering sideways on the ice surface 3′ after the initial impact with the ice surface 3′. As can be seen in FIG. 10C, in an end-over-end return, the hockey puck 2′ exits the outlet portion 12 of the training apparatus 1 at a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the ice surface 3′ and is returned flipping over and over on the ice surface 3′ after the initial impact with the ice surface 3′. As can be seen in FIG. 10D, in an end-over-end return, the hockey puck 2′ exits the outlet portion 12 of the training apparatus 1 at a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the ice surface 3′ and is returned without any spin, curve, or flipping as if it is floating towards a player.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A hockey training apparatus, comprising: a ramp having a generally vertically spaced upper end and lower end, and a generally horizontally spaced first side and second side, wherein the ramp includes: an inlet portion adjacent the lower end, an outlet portion adjacent the upper end and spaced from the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion; a first solid side plate positioned, and integrally connected to, adjacent the first side and upper end of the ramp; a second solid side plate positioned, and integrally connected to, adjacent the second side and upper end of the ramp; at least one foot portion; at least one support frame; and at least one wheel positioned on the at least one support frame, wherein the inlet portion, the intermediate portion, and the outlet portion of the ramp comprise a continuous and non-interrupted arc made from a rigid metal material; wherein the inlet portion includes a beveled lip, and is configured to rest on an ice surface such that a hockey puck sliding along the ice surface toward the inlet portion can be received in a generally sliding relation onto the ramp; wherein the intermediate portion is configured to allow the hockey puck to travel along the ramp from the inlet portion to the outlet portion; wherein the first solid side plate and the second solid side plate are suitable for retaining the hockey puck on the ramp and preventing the hockey puck from exiting the ramp on at least a portion of the first side and the second side such that the hockey puck travels the entire length of the ramp before exiting the training device at the outlet portion; wherein the outlet portion is inclined downwardly towards the ice surface, and is configured to redirect the hockey puck received onto the ramp to an unpredictable course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal back towards the ice surface, such that the hockey puck is returned back onto the ice surface at a distance from the training apparatus in an unpredictable manner; wherein the at least one foot portion is suitable for sliding the training apparatus across the ice surface; and wherein the at least one wheel is suitable for moving of the training apparatus over a non-ice surface.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous arc has a first radius proximate the outlet portion and a second radius proximate the inlet portion, in which the first radius is smaller than the second radius.
 5. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck, such that the hockey puck travels a distance of between 5-15 feet from the training apparatus before hitting the ice surface.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck back towards the ice surface to simulate a flat return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface.
 8. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck back towards the ice surface to simulate a curved return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck back towards the ice surface to simulate a knuckled return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The hockey apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel is made of polyurethane.
 13. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle suitable for pivoting the training apparatus about the at least one wheel.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training apparatus and the hockey puck are colored in non-contrasting colors to disguise the hockey puck until the hockey puck has exited the outlet portion of the training apparatus onto the flat ice surface.
 16. The hockey training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the training apparatus and the hockey puck are colored a shade of black.
 17. The hockey training apparatus claim 1, wherein the inlet portion comprises a first rounded corner and a second rounded corner.
 18. The hockey training apparatus claim 1, further comprises a weight suitable for preventing the training apparatus from shifting in position on the ice surface when the hockey puck is received in the inlet portion and redirected back towards the ice surface from the outlet portion.
 19. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training apparatus is made of metal.
 20. (canceled) 